Detroit Pistons fans are tired of hearing that the team is continuing to create cap space so they can make a big move during the offseason. The front office said this repeatedly last year, and wound up using some, not much, of their money to acquire assets. This most recent trade deadline, Detroit did more of the same. The moves that they made opened them up, theoretically, to sign not one, but two high profile players this upcoming offseason. So who would they possibly target?
Some of these may be a long shot, but let’s have some fun looking at some actual stars Detroit could target in what I consider tier one options. We will get into tier two and three next week and the week after.
Possible stars for the Detroit Pistons
Extreme longshot: Paul George, 6’8 SF/PF, 33
Paul George to Detroit would definitely be a shocking move for the Pistons. Being that George will be 34 next season, this would definitely still constitute as a game changing get. An All Star this year, George is averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and is shooting almost 40 percent from three. While his averages are good, his defensive rating is even better. Coming in at 104.3, he is far above league average. Positionally, Paul fits Detroit’s needs. The 6-foot-8 wing can slide in at the four (a common theme amongst everyone on this list).
It isn't perfect between George and Detroit, though. His age doesn’t align whatsoever with Detroit’s roster, so this would clearly be an all-in signing. On top of his age, however, the other issue with Paul would be the pull to get him to Detroit. It’s no secret that Paul George loved his first seven seasons in Indiana with the Pacers. He has made multiple cryptic remarks surrounding his return to Indy. It seems most likely he stays in L.A or the Clippers must make a move due to the new Apron rules and he returns to Indianapolis. But Paul George would definitely change the landscape of this team, though the chances of that happening are miniscule.
Possible: Brandon Ingram, 6’8 SF/PF 26
Brandon Ingram has somewhat flown under the radar during his time in the NBA. The 26 year old has only made one All-Star roster, back in 2019-2020, yet he is still averaging 21.5, 5 and 5.8 on 50 percent shooting (36 percent from three). Since his All-Star year, he’s taking fewer shot attempts, three point attempts, and free throws per game. But that’s not to say Ingram couldn’t help Detroit. At 6-foot-8, he fills the extreme need that the Pistons have at power forward, and his pedigree would finally fulfill the front office’s promise to add a game changer, rather than reclamation projects.
BI would be a huge trade for Detroit. His offense would be a great addition, but Detroit is already halfway decent on the offensive end. It’s defensively where they struggle. Unfortunately for Detroit, Ingram is not going to blow anyone away with his defense. His defensive rating comes in at 115, which is pretty much league average. Unlike two others on this list, BI is not a free agent this offseason so Detroit would have to trade for the young star. The package to get Ingram would probably include something like two first round picks, Ausar Thompson, and Marcus Sasser. Thanks to the Pelicans rumored to possibly move on from him, two picks plus two young, potential stars would likely get it done.
Longshot: OG Anunoby, 6’8 SF, 26
Because of the Raptors lack of success, and number of younger players they wish to build around, both stars in Toronto were on the move at the trade deadline. Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were both shipped out to Indiana and New York respectively. While both were rumored to be connected in discussions with Detroit, only one, I believe, should be a target for the Pistons this offseason. This season, for both the Raptors and Knicks, Anunoby is averaging 15.3 points, four rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 stocks per night. He’s averaging this all while shooting 51 percent from the field and 39 percent from deep.
Both his offensive and defensive ratings this season sit at 117, which is essentially league average, meaning his addition won’t light the world on fire based on overall skill, but what he would add for Detroit is ability and fit. At 6-foot-8, the 26 year old OG would fit in at the four position perfectly, and stretch away from the basket thanks to his ability to connect from deep. His addition, similar to the others on this list, fills a position of need and allows the other Pistons to play their natural position.
He's likely to re-sign with the Knicks, which makes him a long shot.
Zion Williamson, 6’6 PF, 23
The Zion Williamson sweepstakes was one of the most popularized lottery storylines we’ve seen in the last 15 years. Last season, Victor Wembanyama attracted his fair share of attention, and rightfully so. Zion was different, though, thanks to his time spent in college. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, who jumped in the lottery and won the Zion sweepstakes, his time in the league has been plagued by injury and conditioning issues. When healthy, though, Zion is a game changer. He was an All-Star last season, and this year he’s averaging 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 stocks and is connecting from deep at 36 percent.
This isn’t the first time that Zion-to-Detroit rumors have come up. Last trade deadline, there were some reports that Detroit and Zion might be a good pairing. Looking at Detroit’s current roster, at just 6-foot-, Zion is undersized for the stretch four position that the Pistons need. But, Zion clearly lives above the rim and plays larger than his 6’6 frame. It’s hard to evaluate his value now, as he’s played in just 158 games out of a possible 328, just 48%. When he does play, he is truly a marvel though. His star power would be welcome here in Detroit. Efficiency-wise, Williamson is similar to Ingram in that his defense is almost exactly league average, but his offensive efficiency is well above at 121. Still just 23, I would imagine the Pels would demand a package of picks and young talent. Maybe a package of three first round picks and Isaiah Stewart could get the deal done.
Possible: Karl Anthony-Towns, 7’0 C, 28
The Timberwolves are slated to be in the same cap/Apron trouble that the Clippers will be in in the upcoming years. It’s because of these new rules that a player like KAT may suddenly become available. Minnesota is loaded with talent in Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, meaning Towns may be the odd man out, if need be. That would open the door for Detroit, who desperately needs a big man who can play away from the basket. An allstar this season once again, Karl is averaging 22.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 stocks per game while shooting a lights out 43% on 5.1 three point attempts. Adding his stretch offense next to a classic post player like Duren would be a fantastic pairing offensively. Defensively, KAT isn’t too bad either, having an above average defensive rating of 108 this season.
Detroit would need to acquire KAT via cap space and trade, but this is the most likely route for the Pistons anyways. What would it take to acquire him from Minnesota, above a large sum of money, however, is yet to be seen. Again, The Timberwolves may move other pieces to keep their band together, but if they don’t, Towns may be available and Detroit better make the call.